Date
22 MAR - 26 MAR
About This Tour
Mexico is a magical place where old traditions and modernity live together with all its contradictions. In the bustling capital city, plunge into the chaotically alive environment of one of the world’s largest metropolis, home to nearly 25 million people. Mexico City is just a short flight from most of U.S. cities, and yet for many remains an undiscovered secret. The oldest capital city in all the Americas is also a modern metropolis, with more than 160 cultural museums (the world’s greatest concentration of museums in any metropolis), more than 100 art galleries, and almost three dozen concert halls. It is also home to three major UNESCO World Heritage Sites, either within or just outside the city limits. This springtime getaway to Mexico City allows you to see many of the most famous sites over a prolonged weekend stay. A quick jaunt to sunny Mexico is the perfect way to herald the arrival of spring.
Tour Highlights
- Mexico City
- Zocalo, historic center of Mexico City *
- Teotihuacan *
- Frida Kahlo’s House in Coyoacan
- Floating Gardens of Xochimilco *
- Ballet Folklorico * UNESCO World Heritage Sites
ITINERARY
ARRIVE IN MEXICO CITY / WELCOME DINNER
Arrange your flight to arrive in Mexico City by mid-afternoon today. The main airport is the Benito Juarez Airport, so you use the airport code MEX when searching for flights. Most international flights will arrive at Terminal 1. Upon arrival, collect your luggage, go through customs and look for a driver holding up a Toto Tours sign. You will be transferred to our centrally located hotel, and you will have free time until our group meets in the early evening. We begin with a short walk to a café for welcome drinks and a brief presentation by our guide about Mexican City history and culture. After our Welcome Dinner we will continue our stroll into the Zona Rosa, the gay district. Overnight in Mexico City. (Dinner included)
TEOTIHUACAN / CHAPULTEPEC PARK
This morning travel about 30 miles northeast of the city to tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teotihuacan, the largest (almost 7 square miles) and most impressive trading and religious center of ancient America. The Pyramid of the Sun, the tallest in Mexico, is 216 ft. high and covers approximately 10 acres at the base. Other impressive structures include the Pyramid of the Moon; the Citadel containing the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, so named for its carvings of feathered serpents; and the Quetzalpapalotl Palace. We will then enjoy a typical Mexican lunch served family-style, prepared for us in a private home. Returning to the city we will spend the afternoon exploring Chapultepec park, beginning with the Anthropological Museum, Mexico City’s #1 attraction. From there we may visit The Chapultepec Castle, the zoo, the Tamayo Contemporary Art Museum, or the Modern Art Museum, as time allows. (Breakfast / Lunch)
COYOACAN / SAN ANGEL / XOCHIMILCO
We begin the day by traveling to Coyoacan to visit Frida Kahlo’s home and the Diego Rivera Museum. Coyoacan is an attractive area of upscale shops, coffee houses and bars. From there we continue to the famous Saturday Market in San Angel, to shop for art and crafts. After lunch, we continue to the World Heritage site of Xochimilco to ride the colorful boats and enjoy a late afternoon of drinks accompanied by the music of mariachi bands. The evening is free to explore the Zona Rosa, or we may choose to visit the Plaza Garibaldi for more mariachi music and drinks. (Breakfast / Lunch)
BALLET FOLKLORICO
After an early breakfast, we drive to the Palace of Fine Arts to see the 9:30 am show by the Ballet Folklorico, the internationally famous dance company. From there we walk to the Museum of Popular Art and the Diego Rivera Mural Museum. We will stop for lunch at a festive taco bar (on your own). In the afternoon we have several choices. We may visit one of the central city’s bustling markets, continue on a museum tour, or view some of the many historic buildings near to our hotel. We drive to the Colonia Roma for our Farewell Dinner, which is adjacent to the Zona Rosa. We can drive back to our hotel or enjoy a post-dinner stroll through the lovely and lively streets. (Breakfast / Dinner)
DEPARTURE
The tour officially ends after breakfast this morning. We will organize small group transfers to the airport by public taxis (optional). If you wish to extend your stay in Mexico City, please let us know on your reservation form so that we can keep your room available for another night. Your tour leader will be remaining for this day, and will be happy to help organize activities. (Breakfast)
